Fiat plans to develop 4 new models in Turkey

14 August 2012 19:23 No comments

Fiat’s partner in Turkey, Tofaş (Türk Otomobil Fabrikası Anonim Şirketi) located in the city of Bursa has made the statement that under the current plans of expanding, up to 4 new models are involved. This information was shared by the CEO Kamil Barasan of the Turkish plant. He did not detail which models are involved, only that saloons and light commercial vehicles were concerned. This is in line with the postponing of the Doblò, which should have been introduced to the US market as Ram for next year. This is now scheduled for 2014, probably based on the recently updated second generation model (dated 2010).

Tofaş also produces the Fiorino/Qubo in cooperation with PSA. There are doubts if Fiat will continue the cooperation with the French when the model is ready to be replaced (the model is mainly successful in Italy). The French only borrow the car which is completely developed Italy, and based on the platform of the current Punto. But also the French awaits an uncertain future. The Italians also share the Doblò with Opel. Future plans, after the end of the life cycle of the Doblò are not known.

The most sold car by Fiat in Turkey is the Fiat Linea, which recently got an update, but will probably be replaced within two years. Some of the changes will overlap with the introduction of the Punto by Fiat in 2014. Fiat aims at enhancing their market share in Turkey and plans to produced a special compact model for the local market. Summarizing the information, the success of the JV with Tofaş will be continued.